Nara

The town of Nara in the region of Kansai is small and it's a destination many have not heard of but it definitely packs a punch. It's Japan first capital and because of it's rich history, Nara was designated with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, second only to Kyoto in the numbers. They are the Buddhist temples of Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Gango-ji, Yakushi-ji and Toshodai-ji, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest and Heijo-kyo Palace. Other places worth visiting in town are Nara Park, Nara National Museum and Isui-en & Neiraku Art Museum. For more information about Nara, click here at http://narashikanko.jp/en/index.html

Todai-ji also known as Great Eastern Temple, is the world's largest wooden building that also houses the world's largest Buddha (Daibutsu)

Two pagodas of Kofuku-ji Temple-three storeys & five storeys

Entrance to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine is lined with hundreds of lanterns

Picturesque shot of the lake in Nara Park

Feeding deers with shika-sembei (deer biscuits) at the entrance of Todai-ji

Horyu-ji Temple located southwest of Nara

Direction: Take JR Nara Line for 53 minutes from Kyoto Station to Nara Station, or take JR Yamatoji Line for 36 minutes from Osaka (Namba Station) or 30 minutes from Osaka (Tenno-ji Station) to Nara Station (Japan Rail Pass can be used for all routes mentioned)